The occupational structure of the Okanagan, British Columbia, and Canada, 1881-1941

The Occupational Structure of Britain Research program is collaborating with the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus to study the economic development of Canada. The collaboration adopts a spatially layered approach to consider the national, provincial, and local levels, i.e., Canada, British Columbia, and the Okanagan, a region in British Columbia. A better understanding of the Okanagan is particularly important because it has rapidly developed into a fast-growing metropolitan area, and one of the most entrepreneurial regions in the country. Previous Canadian analysis has tended to ignore regions and provinces, favouring instead a focus on the nation as a whole. We are contracted to submit an edited book entitled 'The occupational structure of the Okanagan, British Columbia, and Canada, 1881-1941' (UBC press) by Spring 2019. The book will be co-edited by Keith Sugden, Campop, and Roger Sugden, University of British Columbia. Keith Sugden and Leigh Shaw-Taylor will contribute to five of the seven chapters.

The long-term aim is to follow this work with a second study, 1951 to the present day, with a view also to propose how the history of Okanagan economic development can be best used to aid policy and growth in the future.